News
City Power to Resume Disconnecting Illegal Connections in Hijacked Buildings
City Power in Johannesburg will resume cutting off illegal connections in hijacked buildings in the city centre. SABC News reports that the power utility had previously abandoned this operation in Jeppestown due to threats and intimidation from tenants.
City Power officials, accompanied by law enforcement personnel, encountered opposition from tenants who claimed they were paying for electricity to their landlords. Isaac Mangena, City Power spokesperson, stated that despite this setback, they have identified several hijacked buildings for future operations.
Also read: Alex Residents Worry Prepaid Electricity Meters Will Spike Power Costs
Simultaneously, the newly appointed Commission of Inquiry into the Marshalltown fire tragedy investigates the prevalence of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg. Seventy-seven people died, and over 50 were injured in the fire last month.
The Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, will work in two phases. The first phase aims to determine the cost of the fire and establish responsibility, with a report expected by December. The second phase will focus on understanding the prevalence of building hijacking and related matters, with a final report due by the end of April.
Also read:
Picture: X / mphomoerane
Follow us on Google News.
